A Bury town centre tearoom has thanked two loyal staff members who have dedicated decades of service at its shop.

Barbara Russell, 80, and Mary Ward, 70, have worked at Leckenby’s in the Mill Gate Shopping Centre for combined total of 25 years.

Barbara has worked at Leckenby’s as a dish washer for 17 years, while Mary began working at the tearoom in 2015.

Both women got their start at Leckenby’s, which has been trading at the Mill Gate for more than 20 years, after responding to an advert placed in the Bury Times.

Despite being old enough to retire, neither Mary nor Barbara have any plans to stop working at their busy roles.

Barbara said: “I want to say it’s just washing up but its a lot more than that, it’s just constant and you’ve got to keep up with what’s running short.

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Mary said the best part of working at Leckenby’s is her colleagues, who both she and Barbara agree is like "a family".

Bury Times: Leckenby's tearoom will celebrate it's 25th anniversary this summerLeckenby's tearoom will celebrate it's 25th anniversary this summer (Image: Tony Cunningham)

She added: “It’s just all the people who work here, we get on well here and we have good bosses, and I’m not just saying that!”

Barbara agreed, saying: “It’s the people, the staff, I know it sounds strange, but I look forward to going to work we are like a family.”

Life at the tearoom is so nice that Barbara’s daughter, Kate Ogden, has also worked there for the past eight years thanks to her mother’s good experience there.

To say thank you for their service, friends and colleagues chipped in the take Mary and Barbara on a guided tour of the Coronation Street set. Owner Jean also took them for a meal at the Pavilion in Birtle.

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“We did have a good time,” said Mary.

“It was amazing to walk the cobbles.”

Owner Jean Leckenby said: “They are absolutely amazing.

"Well past retiring age, neither is willing to put their feet up and they continue to be a vital part of Leckenby’s, doing sterling work in the kitchen.

“Their work-rate would put many younger people to shame and we hope they are part of Leckenby’s for many years to come.

“It’s true that staff rotation is ridiculous in catering, but we are fortunate to have loyal staff, most of whom stay with us for many years. These two are a shining example of that.”